spring/summer 2011 recent releases — young & middle grade

GHOST MEDICINE
by Andrew Smith
read by Mike Chamberlain
Troy wants this to be the summer of what he
calls “ghost medicine,” when time seems to
stop. He wants to spend time with his closest
friends. Over the summer their paths cross in
dangerous and fateful ways.
★“Smith’s first novel, a deceptively simple
coming-of-age story, defies expectations via its
sublime imagery and its elliptical narrative
structure.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
9 CDs • 978-0-7393-7245-6 • $60.00
Grade: RL: 4.9 • IL: 9-12 • LL: 830 • 11 hrs. 38 mins.
See page 72 for IN THE PATH OF FALLING
OBJECTS
GIMME A CALL
by Sarah Mlynowski
read by Cassandra Campbell
Devi’s friends have faded away, her grades
stink, and her boyfriend is breaking up with
her. She has nothing until she realizes her broken
cell phone can call herself three years ago.
Devi tries to convince her younger self of the
right things to do.
“Mlynowski fans will not be disappointed with
this blend of chick-lit, light fantasy, and
comedic mishaps.”—School Library Journal
“It could be somewhat challenging to keep up
with dialogue between younger and older Devi,
but Campbell strikes a balance, making their
voices similar enough to seem like the same
person, yet different enough to allow listeners
to differentiate between speakers.”—Booklist
7 CDs • 978-0-3077-1152-6 • $34.00
Grade: RL: 3.0 • IL: 7-12 • LL: 440 • 7 hrs. 58 mins.
See page 96 for the Magic in Manhattan series
GHOST OF SPIRIT BEAR
by Ben Mikaelsen; read by Jason Harris
Cole used to be violent, but a year on a
remote Alaskan island changed his perspective.
But now he must return to high school
and Cole realizes that it’s not enough just to
change himself.
“Ben Mikaelsen’s portrayal of this angry,
manipulative, damaged teen is dead on.”
—School Library Journal
“Narrator Jason Harris’s strong vocal characterizations
downplay the story’s preachiness and
lend believability to Cole and Peter’s transformations.”—AudioFile
3 CDs • 978-0-7393-7262-3 • $30.00
Grade: RL: 4.8 • IL: 6-12 • LL: 700 • 3 hrs. 42 mins.
TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR
by Ben Mikaelsen; read by Lee Tergesen
After his anger erupts into violence, Cole is
sent to a remote island where an encounter
with a Spirit Bear changes his life.
“Mikaelsen’s portrayal of this angry, manipulative,
damaged teen is dead on.”—VOYA
“Lee Tergesen reads the challenging…story of
Cole’s year of isolation…with an effort to be
true to Cole’s desperate, sneering defiance.”
—AudioFile
YALSA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults
5 CDs • 978-0-7393-5111-6 • $45.00
Grade: RL: 6.7 • IL: 5-12 • LL: 670 • 5 hrs. 52 mins.
See page 75 and 79 for more Ben Mikaelsen
GOD IS IN THE PANCAKES
by Robin Epstein; read by Cassandra Morris
Fifteen-year-old Grace works at a nursing
home. Mr. Sands, an ex-Marine with Lou
Gehrig’s disease, acts as a sort of father figure.
One day he cheerfully asks Grace to help him
die. Grace immediately says no, but as his disease
worsens, she’s not so sure anymore.
“Morris can be a breezy, high-spirited, and sarcastic
Grace in the moments when the teen is
full of confidence or a despondent Grace when
she wrestles with decisions.”—AudioFile
“Morris mixes the humorous elements of the
story with more serious questions Grace faces
concerning life, death, and God.”—Booklist
6 CDs • 978-0-3077-3824-0 • $37.00
Grade: RL: 5.4 • IL: 9-12 • LL: NA • 6 hrs. 59 mins.
GOING BOVINE
by Libba Bray; read by Erik Davies
MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD
16-year-old Cam has mad cow disease. Hope
arrives when Dulcie, a punk angel, tells Cam
there is a cure. Cam sets off on a road trip with
a dwarf and a talking yard gnome.
★“An absurdist comedy…offer this to fans of
Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy seeking more inspired lunacy.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Witty dialogue and creative voices make this
production a standout.”—AudioFile
“Davies’ narration is so spot-on that Cameron’s
transition…is audibly evident…A stellar audio
experience.”—Sound Commentary
Booklist Editor’s Choice
12 CDs • 978-0-7393-8559-3 • $75.00
Grade: RL: 4.0 • IL: 9-12 • LL: 680 • 15 hrs. 9 mins.
See page 87 for more titles by Libba Bray
THE GOODBYE SEASON
by Marian Hale; read by Georgette Perna
In 1918 a deadly flu epidemic leaves Mercy
alone and penniless. Mercy finds a job with
Mrs. Wilder, but there’s something unsettling
about her. Then there’s Daniel, who could
sweep a girl off her feet if she isn’t careful.
★“Perna’s soft voice and gentle narration portrays
Mercy’s sweet, pliant disposition as well as
...the struggles of a spirited young woman who
must make her own way in a difficult world
while remaining true to herself.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“Perna reads with a plaintiveness and sweetness
in her voice that perfectly suits the main character
and she also does a wonderful job portraying
the other unique characters.”
—Sound Commentary
6 CDs • 978-0-7393-8650-7 • $50.00
Guide: RL: 4.4 • IL: 7-12 • LL: 660 • 6 hrs. 31 mins.
See pages 62 and 68 for more titles by
Marian Hale
GRIMPOW
The Invisible Road
by Rafael Ábalos
read by Richard McGonagle
Grimpow had no idea who the dead man
was, but hidden in his bag was a treasure that
would change his life forever.
“Broad appeal that should attract adult as well
as teen listeners.”—School Library Journal
11 CDs • 978-0-7393-6124-5 • $75.00
Grade: RL: 7.9 • IL: 6-12 • LL: NA • 13 hrs. 20 mins.
THE HUNCHBACK
ASSIGNMENTS
by Arthur Slade
read by Jayne Entwhistle
THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS
Mr. Socrates raises Modo for a spy agency.
When Modo turns fourteen, he’s left in
London where he encounters Octavia and
together they uncover a malicious plot to
destroy the British government.
★“Fluid and expressive, nuanced and evocative,
Entwistle’s narration is a marvel, a perfect
match to the well-crafted story.”
—Booklist, starred review
“Jayne Entwhistle is a skilled reader and is able
to make the story come alive through her many
accents and voice tones.”—Sound Commentary
Booklist Editor’s Choice—Audiobooks
6 CDs • 978-0-7393-8022-2 • $45.00
Grade: RL: 4.8 • IL: 7-12 • LL: 660 • 7 hrs. 15 mins.
THE DARK DEEPS
The Hunchback Assignments,
Book 2
Modo, a shape-shifting hunchback and agent
for the Permanent Association, goes in search
of a possible sea monster with his partner.
“Slade does an excellent job of catching new
listeners up to speed without pedantic
reportage that would bore those who have
already read the first volume.”—Booklist
“The second in Arthur Slade’s riviting steampunk
series is narrated by Jayne Entwistle who
blithely jumps from one believable accent…A
dramatic and superbly read tale.”
—School Library Journal
7 CDs • 978-0-7393-8026-0 • $37.00
Grade: RL: 4.6 • IL: 4-9 • LL: 640 • 8 hrs. 11 mins.
HARD LOVE
by Ellen Wittlinger; read by Mark Webber
MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR
When John first meets Marisol, their friendship
is based on a shared interest in homemade
zines, dysfunctional families, and dreams of
escape. Unfortunately, John mistakes their
growing intimacy for love, and he realizes just
how hard love can be.
“Actor Mark Webber’s reading is absolutely
perfect.”—School Library Journal
“Mark Webber’s youthful voice projects all of
John's turbulent emotions clearly.”—AudioFile
4 CDs • 978-0-7393-6458-1 • $38.00
Grade: RL: 6.0 • IL: 9-12 • LL: 680 • 4 hrs. 58 mins.
Young Adult CD Library
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